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The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
This podcast focuses on surviving life after a suicide loss, an experience that can be devastating and leave you feeling lost as you try to pick up the pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, lost her 21-year-old son, Alex, to suicide on August 7, 2016, and brings (& often shares) her insights from her personal journey.
In each episode, Melissa engages in honest and challenging conversations with other survivors of loss, healers, and mental health experts. She also produces shorter solo episodes where she reflects on her own thoughts and experiences thus far. The podcast covers a wide range of relevant topics and addresses difficult questions. Melissa explores all aspects of grief, including trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy, and stigma. She believes that we learn to live alongside our grief rather than getting over it. Actual change comes through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices.
For supporters or educators, these conversations provide valuable insights and shine a light on suicide and grief genuinely and unapologetically. Listeners who are grieving a suicide loss can find comfort in the community and hope for a better tomorrow. Melissa aims to help others, like herself, transition from merely surviving to discovering a life filled with meaning and, potentially, even happiness amid the leftover pieces around you. You can always schedule a time to chat about being a guest from my main website.
[Please NOTE: This podcast is for only relational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It candidly and openly discusses sensitive and sometimes activating topics. There will be no in-depth or graphic descriptions of the method, but merely the possible mention of suicide, murder, rape, and the like. Be guided and care for yourself accordingly. Also, Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing on this podcast should be taken in place of, or as, medical/mental health advice or recommendations.]
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
Welcome to May 18; "We're All Mad Here" DAILY Mental Health Nugget
"Hello --It is May 18th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You’ve just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”
WEEK 3: Control & Surrender
Day 18: Today’s truth is: "If everybody minded their own business..." Idea: Setting boundaries.
Oh, the unsolicited advice grievers get can be overwhelming. People have their opinions on how you should grieve or when to move on, and it can all feel so draining. Just remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your feelings. Your grief is personal, and it deserves the time and space to unfold in your own way.
Take a moment today to set some boundaries. Say no to advice that doesn’t serve you. Don’t hesitate to ignore a text that feels intrusive or delete a comment that’s unhelpful. Get that journal out & practice writing a few responses when people offer unwanted 'help'
Breathe and remind yourself that you have every right to protect your peace during this tough time. It’s okay to focus on what uplifts you and to navigate your grief on your own terms.
So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry today
Take a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."
AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkout for 5% off
It is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE
and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HERE
Both coupons good through June 30, 2025 Thank you for listening! - Melissa
[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]
SEE YOU TOMORROW!!!
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada